A group of bold, innovative students from across campus has been selected to join the Accelerator Fellows program this spring, where they’ll dive deep into exploring, testing and scaling their ideas, projects and ventures alongside peers tackling today’s biggest challenges. Throughout the 8-week program, Fellows will engage in personalized 1:1 coaching sessions, work independently on their projects, and take part in hands-on developmental activities like workshops, panel discussions, and community events that offer valuable tools and resources to boost their projects’ impact. Fellows were chosen through a competitive selection process and will receive a $2,000 stipend to fuel their work throughout the program.
As usual the spring semester is packed with lots of exciting campus and global events providing ample opportunities for our Do Good students to tackle the issues they are most passionate about. This semester, I am super excited to work with and support our Accelerator Fellows, as well as share with them the plethora of resources Do Good Institute provides, while they work passionately to take their projects to the next level.Kisha McNeill Do Good Accelerator Manager
Meet the Spring 2025 Accelerator Fellows
Gatha Adhikari, Cervical Cancer Outreach for LMICs
Ph.D. candidate, Bioengineering
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nepal, yet it is largely preventable with early detection and treatment. Many women in remote areas lack access to basic screenings, leaving them vulnerable. Gatha’s outreach aims to change that by organizing cervical cancer awareness and screening campaigns in underserved regions of Nepal by partnering with local health workers and educating women about early detection, providing access to life-saving screenings.
Taiwo Alawode, The NextGen Antimicrobial Stewards Initiative
Ph.D. candidate, Environmental Health Sciences
The NextGen Antimicrobial Stewards Initiative aims to empower Nigerian youths as leaders in antimicrobial stewardship by providing comprehensive education, leadership training, and skills to effectively communicate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) health risks and prevention. This initiative targets the growing threat of AMR in Nigeria by empowering the next generation of advocates who will champion responsible antibiotic use, drive community-level change, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Amrutha Alibilli, The ARTiculate Narratives Project
Sophomore, Neuroscience
The ARTiculate Narratives Project is driven by a scintillating vision to disseminate creative works as an independent medium of expression, transcending sociopolitical and cross-cultural barriers. In partnership with diverse community partners, its mission is twofold: to highlight marginalized narratives through creative platforms and to advance interest in the arts as a powerful medium of advocacy.
Lyric Amodia, The Movement Street
MBA candidate, Business Administration and Management
The Movement Street (TMS) is a nonprofit reimagining community service through in-person events, digital advocacy and passive opportunities. They engage volunteers through hands-on projects, virtual initiatives and their service-driven apparel, where every purchase funds a community project and spreads awareness. With new chapters launching in cities nationwide, TMS is making it easier for everyone to get involved and give back in meaningful ways.
Ibiyinka Amokeodo, AquaSafe
Ph.D. candidate, Environmental Health Sciences
AquaSafe empowers agricultural communities in Tanzania by providing affordable water testing kits and education on water quality management. The goal is to improve crop safety, public health and sustainable agricultural practices by helping farmers monitor and address chemical and microbial contamination in their irrigation water.
Katie Baron, Tenacity Automotive Solutions
Senior, Information Science
Tenacity Automotive Solutions is dedicated to making car ownership and maintenance more accessible and stress-free for underserved communities. They offer affordable mobile repair services and free educational resources, empowering the individuals they serve with the knowledge they need to navigate vehicle purchasing, registration, inspection and maintenance, bridging the gap in automotive literacy to create a safer, more informed and self-sufficient driving community.
Mars Delehant, Prince George's Vote
Sophomore, Public Policy and Economics
Prince George's Vote (PG Vote/ PGV) aims to remove the barriers that make it hard for people in Prince George's county to engage with local politics. PGV provides current information about upcoming policies and keeps you in the loop about changes within our community.
Saraf Disha, Sonjog: Connecting People
MPP candidate, International Security and Economic Policy
Sonjog: Connecting People is a nonprofit organization that provides critical aid in Bangladesh. The organization mainly works in the health, education, and critical aid sectors. It is registered as an NGO in Bangladesh and as a charitable organization in the United States
Shukria Ibrahimi, Girls College Organization
Master’s candidate, Public Policy (International Development)
Girls College Organization is an initiative that provides Afghan girls who have been deprived of their right to education the opportunity to access quality higher education abroad. Under the Taliban's restrictions, girls above the age of 12 are banned from attending school or university. This program operates in secrecy to ensure these students receive the necessary education to apply for international scholarships, with our teachers risking their safety to continue this work.
Olivia Linus, The Visibility Project
Junior, Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics and Chemistry
The Visibility Project raises awareness about invisible chronic illnesses by spotlighting a specific condition each semester. We strive for our members to gain a new perspective on life with invisible chronic illnesses.
Denonte McKinney, EDvancedGPT
Master’s candidate, Business Administration, Dual Technology Management Certification
Denonte is developing EDvancedGPT, an AI-powered EdTech platform that makes teaching more sustainable by automating lesson planning, grading, and parent communication, reducing educator workload. It also enhances accessibility and inclusivity by providing personalized support in lesson plan generation, creating a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Ebenezer Mensah, Black Star Wellness Initiative
Ph.D. candidate, Higher Education
True Community's Black Star Wellness Initiative provides vital first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills training and other health literacy programs for Ghanaian populations. In a healthcare system with flaws in access and emergency response, particularly in underserved areas, this project is a crucial step towards arming people with information and techniques to respond during a medical emergency.
Maya Moore, Sustainabeauty
Senior, Finance and Business Management
Sustainabeauty is a charitable and sustainable service organization that aims to collect and redistribute new and gently used hair care products in order to improve accessibility to hair care while decreasing product waste across the nation.
Kirstin Nichols, Students for Wellness
Master’s candidate, Public Health
Students for Wellness, or “Wellness Wednesdays”, is an afterschool club at College Park Academy, aimed at mentoring middle school students as they create their own community health campaigns for topics they are passionate about.
Yash Porwal, NephroSense™
Junior, Physiology and Neurobiology
NephroSense™ is the first portable biosensor to detect Chronic Kidney Disease through both blood and urine analysis. By offering an affordable, accessible, and rapid screening solution, NephroSense™ aims to improve early detection and bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
Liv Ryder, CP Plan B
MPP candidate
CP Plan B is a student-led initiative ensuring free, confidential access to emergency contraceptives at UMD. Committed to reproductive health equity, they offer 24/7 support and resources, making emergency contraception accessible to students whenever they need it.
Benjamin Saenz, Wise AI
Junior, Computer Engineering
Wise AI is transforming senior care by leveraging multimodal AI monitoring systems to improve the health outcomes and safety of seniors in care facilities, empowering caregivers and addressing the challenges of an aging population.
Mohamed Salama, The CounterSpeech Lexicon
Ph.D. candidate, Journalism
CounterSpeech Lexicon is a large-scale, data-driven resource that tracks and analyzes hate speech and racially charged language in the media. Designed for future AI integration, this lexicon equips journalists with the tools to report ethically, challenge harmful narratives, and promote responsible storytelling.
Zehra Syeda, Sankofa Empowering Women in Ghana (SEWING)
Freshman, Bioengineering
Sankofa Empowering Women in Ghana (SEWING) is an initiative addressing systemic exploitation and creating opportunities for women internationally. SEWING aims to empower diverse communities through education and foster collaboration towards sustainable change at UMD and beyond.
Arif Wali, International Sports Organization
Sophomore, Public Health Sciences
The International Sports Organization empowers youth through sports, providing education and mentorship to help them excel both on and off the field. With more than 700 students enrolled, 75 percent have achieved honor roll status. Committed to creating a stable, affordable and well-structured environment, the organization bridges the gap between athletics and academics for underserved youth.